Bowie Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

Nursing home abuse is a serious issue affecting some of the most vulnerable members of society. This distressing reality can lead to severe physical and psychological trauma, leaving nursing home residents and their families struggling with long-lasting consequences.

For families, learning that a loved one has been mistreated in a Bowie nursing home is deeply unsettling and can create a sense of urgency to protect them and seek justice. Obtaining help from an experienced nursing home lawyer is vital to navigating the legal process, holding the responsible parties accountable, and pursuing monetary compensation.

Why Hire Nursing Home Law Center

At Nursing Home Law Center, we are dedicated to fighting for justice and obtaining fair compensation for victims of nursing home abuse. Our knowledgeable legal team has a strong history of managing nursing home abuse cases with utmost care, achieving substantial settlements and successful verdicts.

We carry out detailed investigations to address all aspects of abuse, including medical bills, emotional trauma, and related damages. With our extensive experience in handling nursing home abuse claims, we manage the legal process effectively and work tirelessly to defend your rights.

Throughout your case, we will communicate compassionately and openly, ensuring you and your family feel supported, informed, and confident.

Types of Cases Handled by Our Bowie Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers

Nursing home abuse encompasses any act or failure to act that results in harm to nursing home patients, compromising their safety, dignity, or health. This abuse can take many forms, and understanding these types helps victims and family members recognize when to seek legal assistance. 

Below, we explain the most common types of nursing home abuse cases our Maryland nursing home lawyers handle.

Physical Abuse

Physical elder abuse involves intentional actions that inflict pain or injury, such as hitting, pushing, or rough handling. Improper use of restraints, leading to bruises or broken bones, is also a form of physical assault.

Mental and Emotional Abuse

Mental and emotional elder abuse includes behavior that causes psychological distress to a nursing home resident. Examples include verbal threats, humiliation, or isolation from other residents.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse refers to any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior. This type of elder abuse can be particularly devastating and may involve residents who are unable to communicate or defend themselves. Warning signs include unexplained injuries in sensitive areas or sudden shifts in behavior, such as avoidance of physical contact or fear of nursing home staff members.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice in nursing homes can occur when medical professionals or staff fail to provide proper medical care, leading to harm. Common examples include untreated bed sores, medication errors, or ignoring medical conditions. These lapses can result in severe health complications or deteriorating conditions for residents.

Negligence

Nursing home negligence refers to failing to meet residents’ basic needs. This neglect can include poor hygiene, inadequate nutrition, or insufficient hydration. Elopement—when a resident wanders from the facility unsupervised—is also a form of nursing home negligence.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse involves the illegal or unauthorized use of a resident’s assets or funds. This exploitation might include forging signatures, coercing the resident to change legal documents, or theft.

Wrongful Death

Wrongful death occurs when abuse or neglect leads to a resident’s death. These cases often result from severe neglect, medication errors, or violent abuse.

Understanding Your Legal Rights

Nursing home residents are protected under various federal and state laws that guarantee their safety, dignity, and right to receive proper care.

One significant piece of legislation is the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, which mandates that nursing homes providing Medicaid services ensure residents’ physical, mental, and social well-being. 

This act gives residents the right to live free from abuse, neglect, and other harmful treatment. It also requires facilities to maintain sufficient staffing levels and provide quality medical care.

In Maryland, additional state-specific regulations are enforced to protect residents. The Maryland Department of Health oversees the licensing and inspection of nursing home facilities to ensure compliance with these standards. Any violation of state or federal laws can lead to investigations and potential penalties for the facility.

The victim can file a nursing home abuse claim, or if they are unable to act, a family member or legal guardian can file on their behalf. In cases where nursing home abuse results in wrongful death, the resident’s surviving family members have the right to file a claim to pursue financial compensation. 

Consulting with an experienced Bowie nursing home abuse lawyer is essential to understanding your legal rights and options for seeking justice.

Liability in Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Cases 

In nursing home abuse and neglect cases, multiple parties may be responsible for the harm done to residents. Establishing liability is essential for holding these parties accountable and securing monetary compensation for victims and their families.

• Nursing Home Facilities: The nursing home itself can be liable if inadequate policies, poor training, or insufficient staffing lead to nursing home negligence.
• Nursing Home Administrators: Administrators manage operations and ensure the facility complies with state and federal laws. If they fail to supervise staff properly or address known issues, they can be liable for abuse or neglect.
• Nursing Home Staff Member: Nursing home staff members, including aides and nurses, may be individually responsible for acts of abuse or neglect. If a staff member directly harms a resident or fails to provide proper care, they can be subject to civil and criminal consequences.
• Medical Professionals: Doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel in nursing homes can face liability for medical malpractice, such as failing to diagnose or treat conditions properly. Errors like missed medication doses or untreated bed sores can lead to severe health issues and further complications.
• Third-Party Contractors: In some cases, liability may extend to third-party service providers who work within the nursing home, such as therapists or maintenance workers. They may be held accountable if their negligence results in your loved one’s injuries or harm.

How Our Bowie Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

Our nursing home neglect lawyers have extensive experience handling nursing home abuse, neglect, and medical malpractice cases. We are committed to advocating for the rights of residents and their families, ensuring those responsible for harm are held accountable. 

Our law firm has a proven track record of obtaining favorable outcomes through settlements or trial verdicts. Below are some of the legal services we offer:

Free Case Evaluation

We start with a free consultation to assess your case and discuss your legal options. This case review allows our team to understand the details of your situation, evaluate the potential for a claim, and guide you on the best course of action at no initial cost to you.

Case Investigation

Our nursing home abuse attorneys conduct comprehensive investigations to gather necessary evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and facility reports. This approach helps establish whether nursing home negligence or abuse occurred and identifies responsible parties.

Filing the Claim

We manage all aspects of filing your nursing home abuse claim, ensuring that legal documents are prepared and submitted on time and according to Maryland regulations.

Settlement Negotiation

Our Maryland nursing home lawyers are skilled negotiators who will work to secure a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of damages, including medical costs, pain and suffering, and other expenses. We engage directly with the insurance company and opposing parties to seek the best possible outcome without requiring a lengthy trial.

Trial Representation

If a settlement cannot be reached or does not meet your needs, our team is prepared to take your case to court. With strong trial experience and a deep understanding of nursing home neglect cases, we provide aggressive representation to ensure justice is served and negligent facilities are held accountable.

Common Signs of Elder Abuse Among Nursing Home Residents 

There are 111 Medicare-certified nursing facilities in Bowie, with 46 facilities (41%) rated below or much below average overall. Specifically, 48 homes (43%) fall short in health inspections, and 38 (34%) have inadequate staffing. Seventeen facilities (15%) are rated poorly in quality measures. [1]

Recognizing these signs of nursing home abuse can prevent further harm:

• Physical injuries without a clear explanation could indicate rough handling by nursing home staff members;
• Marks on the wrists or ankles may indicate the use of physical restraints;
• Abrupt changes in mood or behavior could signal psychological abuse;
• A resident who seems fearful around specific nursing home staff members or avoids eye contact could be experiencing abuse;
• Bedsores indicate neglect, often resulting from inadequate repositioning or insufficient medical care;
• Weight loss and dry skin can signal that the resident is not receiving proper nutrition or hydration;
• Sudden changes in financial status or unauthorized transactions could point to financial exploitation.

If you notice these warning signs, contact a Bowie nursing home attorney to discuss your concerns and explore legal action.

The worst-rated nursing homes in Bowie include:

What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

If you suspect nursing home abuse, it’s important to take action quickly to protect your loved one. Here are the steps to follow:

• Call 911 if There is an Immediate Danger: If you believe the resident is at immediate risk of harm, call 911 for emergency assistance. Law enforcement and medical professionals can respond promptly to protect individuals and ensure their safety.
• Report to the Nursing Home Administrator or Management: Notify the nursing home administrators or management about your concerns. This report can prompt an internal investigation and immediate measures to safeguard the resident.
• File a Complaint with your Local Ombudsman’s Office: The local Ombudsman advocates for nursing home residents and helps investigate complaints about nursing home abuse and neglect. They also mediate disputes and protect residents’ rights.
• Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer: Reach out to experienced neglect attorneys for legal guidance. A lawyer can help assess the situation, gather evidence, and advise on the best course of action. They can guide you through the legal process and help you pursue justice and financial compensation for your loved one.

Damages You Can Recover Through a Nursing Home Abuse Claim

Victims and their family members may be entitled to various types of damages when pursuing a nursing home abuse claim. These damages help address both the financial and emotional impact of abuse and ensure that negligent facilities are held accountable.

Economic damages cover tangible costs directly linked to the abuse.

• Medical bills: Reimbursement for expenses related to treatment, hospitalization, therapy, and any ongoing medical care needed due to the abuse.
• Relocation costs: Expenses incurred from moving the resident to a safer nursing home or care facility.
• Lost financial assets: Compensation for financial losses resulting from exploitation, such as stolen funds or unauthorized transactions.

Non-economic damages compensate for the non-monetary effects of nursing home abuse.

• Pain and suffering: Monetary compensation for the resident’s physical pain and emotional distress.
• Emotional trauma: Damages for the psychological impact, such as anxiety, depression, or fear, caused by abuse or neglect.
• Loss of quality of life: Compensation when a resident’s overall enjoyment of life and ability to engage in activities are diminished due to abuse.

Punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the nursing home or staff demonstrated particularly egregious or malicious behavior. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoers and deter similar actions in the future.

If nursing home abuse or neglect leads to a resident’s death, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim. Damages in such cases may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses: Coverage for costs related to funeral services.
• Loss of companionship: Compensation for the emotional loss suffered by the family due to their loved one’s death.
• Loss of financial support: Damages for the income or benefits the deceased resident would have provided to dependents.

Contact a Bowie Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today!

Our law firm has extensive experience representing victims of nursing home abuse in Bowie and across Prince George’s County. We are committed to holding Maryland nursing homes accountable and have a strong track record of securing justice and financial compensation for victims and their families.

If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, don’t hesitate to seek help. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case, explore your legal options, and take the first step toward protecting your loved one.

Call us at (800) 926-7565 or fill out our contact form.

References: [1] Medicare